About Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is great for a variety of spaces, whether in the home or in a retail centre. It is easy to install and maintain, and it is very durable. Laminate usually mimics the look of hardwood flooring, but it can also mimic tile, stone, and other materials.
Laminate flooring is made up of multiple layers. On top is an extremely detailed photographic image overlain with a highly durable transparent plastic laminate. Underneath that is a wood-composite product, usually MDF (medium-density fiberboard). On the back a layer is added to prevent moisture seepage.
Laminate flooring is not glued or nailed to the subfloor. Instead, individual planks are joined by a click system or attached to each other with an adhesive and “float” over the subfloor on a thin foam pad.
Laminate flooring is not ideal for places that receive a lot of moisture exposure, such as bathrooms. If laminate is installed in a bathroom, the edges of the planks must be sealed extremely well to prevent moisture from seeping in between the planks.
Usually laminate flooring can be installed by the homeowner, and does not require professional installation. Most laminate flooring manufacturers include installation instructions.
Laminate flooring is highly durable and lasts a long time. Due to its hard surface, it is very resistant to stains and scratches and requires minimal effort in terms of cleaning and maintenance. It is also a very safe flooring material as it is heat-resistant and therefore has good fire retardant properties. Furthermore, it is fade-resistant, impact-resistant and wear-resistant. It is also anti-allergenic, as it does not retain dust mites. It can also be cleaned with common household chemicals without being damaged.
Another advantage to laminate flooring is that it may be laid directly on to your existing floor, whether tile, hardwood, or vinyl, and time and energy need not be wasted on removing the existing floor.
Laminate flooring is pre-finished and thus does not need to be sanded or varnished. It looks as good as new even years after installation.
Maintenance of Laminate Flooring
Maintaining laminate flooring requires little effort. Dust and dirt can be removed with a broom, vacuum cleaner, or a dust-absorbent cloth. For slightly dirty floors, a moist cloth can be used. Detergent is not necessary for cleaning, just a soft broom or vacuum cleaner. Regular spills and stains such as juice, chocolate and oil can be spot cleaned with a mild household detergent. For tougher stains such as nail polish, tar or ink, household solvents such as acetone or methylated spirit may be used. Ammonia-based cleaning products should be avoided.
| PROBLEM | SOLUTION |
| Normal cleaning. | Vacuum or just wipe with a damp cloth. |
| Tomato ketchup, fruit juices, chocolate, oil / grease, mud, etc. | Wipe with a damp cloth or use some mild household detergent. |
| Nail varnish, lipstick, tar, ink, cigarette burns, etc. | Use some household solvent, neat acetone or methylated spirit. |
